LEO Weekly, December 2025

Editor-in-Chief - Caleb Stultz

CREATIVE

Creative Director - Haimanti Germain

Graphic Designer - Aspen Smit

DIRECTOR OF

Marsha Blacker

LOUISVILLE’S MAIN LIBRARY TO CLOSE FOR UP TO YEAR AMID MAJOR RENOVATIONS

BY: CALEB STULTZ

Mayor Craig Greenberg announces expanded services and digital access during closure

The city’s Main Library on York Street will be temporarily closed for at least a year beginning on December 1 while a construction crew works on inside repairs, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Monday.

The decision comes after contractors uncovered “new issues” that would make the renovations unsafe for visitors, Greenberg said during his weekly media briefing on Monday.

“Now let me be clear, this was the absolute last thing I or anyone else wanted to do,” he said. “But after we questioned the contractors about other alternatives, it became very clear that this was the only prudent option.”

Renovations are already underway, with part of the building closed to the public. The project will include:

• The creation of more than 16,000 square feet of usable public space by opening the existing historic “closed stacks” area of the 1906 Carnegie Library building.

• A fully accessible entrance to the historic York Street building.

• Renovation and reopening of the

Main Library’s third floor, closed to the public in 2018 due to budget cuts.

• Expanded meeting and study spaces.

• New furniture and finishes.

The anticipated $8 million improvements are funded by private donations to the

Louisville Free Public Library Foundation and federal money from the American Rescue Plan.

During the closure, some 25 Main Library staff members are anticipated to be transferred to other locations, but no one will lose their

job, according to Greenberg.

LFPL will extend its services at other branches during the Main Library’s closure. These branches will remain open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“This adds 12 service hours at the Western Library alone, which is the closest branch to where we stand today at the Main Library. It’s only six blocks from here,” Greenberg said.

Expanded social and digital services

To support those who rely on the Main Library, the city will expand social services along the Broadway corridor. Highlights include:

• Computer access: Goodwill Industries of Louisville will expand computer access at its East and West Broadway campuses, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and at the East Broadway location on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., thanks to funding from the Louisville Hotel Partnership.

• Re:Center Ministries: (757 S. Brook Street) will add Saturday and Sunday hours for women and children. Their Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Remote computer center: LFPL will open a center at 721 South Brook Street to offer free computer and internet access, printing, and faxing services to adults, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and four hours on Saturday (exact hours to be determined based on need). A UK School of Social Work in Libraries Fellow will be on staff.

• Day shelter: St. Vincent de Paul will expand services by adding a new day shelter program.

• Transportation: Expanded offerings in partnership with TARC, HEART, Block by Block, and Goodwill will be provided for individuals in need of transportation to services.

Mayor Greenberg emphasized the importance of partnerships during the closure. “As soon as it became clear that keeping our doors open to the public during an active construction project of this magnitude was not going to be safe, the decision was made to temporarily close the building to the public,” he said.

“We understand this will have an impact on people that use the Main Library, which is why my team and I immediately began discussions with Library staff and our community partners to find the best ways to serve those needs while we are closed to the public.”

Library system changes

Other library branches will adjust operations to help minimize disruption:

All LFPL locations now operate 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, adding 12 service hours each week at Western Library and Fairdale Library.

Portland Library is scheduled to reopen the first week of December following its own renovation.

Highlands-Shelby Park Library and Portland Library will offer Sunday hours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the duration of the Main Library closure.

Four bookmobiles, including a new addition from September, will provide access to library materials throughout the city.

For more information and renderings of the renovation, visit LFPL.org/MainLibraryProject

ONE OF LOUISVILLE’S MOST RECOGNIZABLE BREWERIES TO CLOSE LOCATION AND RESTAURANT AFTER 14 YEARS

BY: CALEB STULTZ

Louisville brewery will shutter its flagship location by the end of 2025 as lease expires; founders say the brand is “evolving” but the beer isn’t going anywhere.

By: Caleb Stultz

After more than a decade serving beers inside Louisville Slugger Field, one of the city’s most recognizable breweries is preparing to close its downtown flagship.

Against the Grain announced Tuesday that it will not renew its lease at 401 E. Main St., ending a 14-year run at the ballpark that helped shape Louisville’s modern craft beer identity.

The brewery’s last day of operations will be Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025.

“All good things come to an end… or whatever it is they say! Our lease has come to an end at Slugger Field and we’ve made the difficult decision to not renew it,” the brewery said in a Facebook post.

A Legacy at the Ballpark

Opened in 2011, Against the Grain Public House — affectionately known to fans as “the smokehouse,” “the pub,” or “the main grain” — became a staple for baseball fans and beer lovers alike. The post reflected on

the brewery’s 14-year run with humor and nostalgia:

“The last 14 years have been a blast-and-ahalf with so many great people — from getting blasted on Yelp! for having smoked grapes in a salad to giving Louisville its first ‘whale beer’ Bo & Luke, hosting countless international and national brewers and a pop-up from renowned cocktail bar The Aviary, helping share our fondness for local music during The Local Lineup series, and just being a part of the growth of downtown Louisville. It’s all been a heckuva ride, and one that we’ll cherish forever.”

Founders Jerry Gnagy and Sam Cruz said the decision was driven by the end of the lease term and the company’s evolution toward beverage manufacturing and innovation.

“But Against the Grain is evolving,” the post stated. “All these great experiences and our community have helped shape us into the beverage manufacturing company we are today… So there are no heavy hearts or regerts (see Jerry’s tattoo), only a million great memories and friendships that will never fade.”

The brewery stressed that its beers will continue to be widely accessible through the current lines of distribution, which include

pubs, restaurants and liquor stores.

Against the Grain also made references to potential events and future “pop-ups” at its Portland production plant at 1800 Northwestern Parkway, which it might open “for a party or two.”

“We’d love it if you’d stop into the restaurant one last time before the end of the year to share a beer and a memory,” the post concluded. “We know it has meant a lot to a lot of people, including us, so come on down and make the most of our final days!”

Against the Grain remains one of

Louisville’s largest beer producers, brewing roughly 5,000 barrels annually, and continues to grow its beverage lineup — including ZAZA, a THC-infused drink now available in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and the Chicago area.

MAYOR GREENBERG PROPOSES $17 MILLION IN MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS

Plan includes new funding for public safety, affordable housing, parks, and community services; proposal now heads to Metro Council for review.

BY: CALEB STULTZ

On Tuesday, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg presented proposed mid-year budget modifications totaling approximately $17 million, allocating additional cash to community infrastructure, affordable housing, and public safety.

In addition to money shifted from projects that will no longer proceed, the proposal contains roughly $10 million in excess cash from the previous fiscal year. According to Greenberg, the changes are intended to keep the city’s “highest priorities” moving forward.

“Thanks to our responsible management of the city’s resources, we have another

opportunity to make significant investments that will improve public safety and quality of life in neighborhoods throughout our city,” Greenberg said during his weekly briefing.

Proposed Allocations:

• Public safety: Includes financing for the recruitment of Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office personnel, infrastructure improvements for the Emergency Management Agency, new vehicles and equipment for the Louisville Fire Department, and support for a new Community Violence Intervention site in East Russell.

• Affordable Housing: Continued financing for the HEART team, which links residents to housing stability programs; increased rental and down payment help; and supportive housing for those who are homeless or at danger of becoming so.

• Parks and Infrastructure: A new Parks Maintenance Facility, more lighting, snow removal tools, a scissor lift for graffiti clearance, and improvements to the Newburg Community Center and Sun Valley Pool.

• Animal Services: The Louisville Metro Animal Shelter is hiring a second veterinarian.

• Additional financing for the Louisville Orchestra, the Dare to Care food bank and Day Spring College for Living, which assists people with intellectual and developmental impairments, are examples of nonprofit and artistic support. Greenberg said the proposal also includes funding for projects identified in the final FY25–26 budget as contingent on available surplus funds.

The Louisville Metro Council Budget Committee has been involved in discussions leading up to the announcement. The full Metro Council will now review and vote on the proposal.

• Community Health: Building new medical facilities at Pleasure Ridge Park High School and Americana World Community Center.

ouisville’s holiday market season is packed with festive pop-ups, artisan showcases, vintage bazaars, and neighborhood celebrations. Whether you’re hunting for handmade gifts, unique home décor, gourmet treats, or simply want to spend a winter afternoon wandering a decked-out market, the city has more than 10 chances to shop local before the end of December.

Many events also benefit local charities or community organizations, giving shoppers a chance to support causes while picking up unique gifts.

Below is your roundup of holiday shopping events in Louisville and surrounding areas this month.

FÊTE DE NOËL

November 28–January 4

Paristown’s 7th annual Winter Holiday Festival brings the magic of the season to life with Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice-skating rink, photos with Santa, trackless train rides, and the Brent Street Holiday Market.

Your guide to

MADE MARKET: LOUISVILLE HOLIDAY MARKET

December 5 — Mellwood Art Center

A large curated makers market with food, drinks, and dozens of regional artists.

KMAC MARTINIS & MISTLETOE

December 4— Museum Row

Cocktails and curated artful gifts supporting KMAC programs.

holiday markets & Christmas shopping around Louisville

HOLOUDAYS SHOPPING TOUR: BE MERRY & BUY LOCAL

December 6

A festive shopping tour hitting independent local businesses across Louisville neighborhoods.

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET, LIGHT UP LOUISVILLE

Dec. 6 — Jefferson Square Park

Decorated stalls, crafts, specialty gifts, and family-friendly activities.

FALALA ON FRANKFORT, FRANKFORT AVENUE

Dec. 7

Santa Sprint 5K, carolers, live music, restaurant specials, discounts at local retailers and photos with Santa.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, NORTON COMMONS

December 7 — Prospect

Storefront specials, carriage rides, Santa photos and neighborhood promotions.

MAGICAL MIDWINTER MARKET

Dec. 12–21 — Logan Street Market

Step into a fully immersive holiday experience where storytelling meets shopping.

December 12–15 — Kentucky Expo Center

600+ booths of holiday décor, crafts, and gift ideas.

ALL IS BRIGHT

HOLIDAY MARKET, WESTPORT

VILLAGE

December 13

Live music, treats, entertainers, and a special appearance by Santa.

FLEA OFF MARKET

HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Dec. 13-14 — Mellwood Arts Center

200+ juried artists and makers, with vintage and handmade gifts, food trucks, and festive activities.

EAT, DRINK AND SEE IN THIS WEEK’S STAFF PICKS

BY LEO WEEKLY STAFF

DECEMBER 9

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

Louisville Palace | All Ages |$50+

Share the joy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet with family and friends. Give the gift of a spectacular holiday experience featuring an international cast, whimsical puppetry and opulent costumes and sets, hand-crafted by the finest artisans of Europe. Go back to a simpler time and make memories your family will cherish forever. Celebrate the season with America’s most beloved Nutcracker tradition! Tchaikovsky’s timeless score sets the stage for a Christmas your family will never forget. Doors open at 6:00pm. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Everyone, regardless of age including babes in arms, must purchase a ticket.

DECEMBER 12-21

All Is Calm

Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health | All ages |$28+

“All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” is a remarkable a cappella opera that transports audiences to Christmas Eve, 1914. It tells the poignant and true stories of soldiers on the Western Front during World War I, who, for a brief, spontaneous moment, laid down their arms and celebrated a makeshift Christmas Truce. The opera, sung entirely in English, vividly recounts the night a lone soldier stepped out of the trenches, his voice echoing “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night) across the desolate landscape. This courageous act sparked an extraordinary, unofficial ceasefire where soldiers from opposing sides emerged from their dugouts, exchanged greetings, shared food, and even played games of football in the no-man’s-land between the trenches. Group rates, student discounts, and pay-what-you-can options are available to ensure accessibility for all audiences.

DECEMBER 12, 13 AND 14TH

Louisville Christmas Gift and Decor Show

Kentucky Expo Center -South Wing C | All ages | FREE

Mark your calendars! The 37th Annual Louisville Christmas Gift & Decor Show, renowned as the LARGEST FREE ADMISSION CHRISTMAS SHOW IN THE NATION, is returning to the Kentucky Expo Center for three days of festive cheer. From December 12th to 14th, prepare to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland boasting over 700 booths brimming with an incredible array of Christmas crafts, unique gifts, and so much more. This is your one-stop shop to find the perfect present for everyone on your list, from the hard-to-please to the easy-to-delight.

DECEMBER

12-22

The Brown-Forman Nutcracker

The Kentucky Center - Whitney Hall | All Ages |$30+

Step into a world of wonder and enchantment with The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, a beloved holiday tradition that captivates audiences year after year. Join young Marie as she embarks on a magical journey alongside her Nutcracker prince, venturing to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, a realm brought to life with breathtaking artistry and spectacle through world-class choreography, meticulously crafted to dazzle and inspire, guiding you through the Land of Snowflakes and the Kingdom of Sweets. Adding another layer to this event is the live music performed by the Louisville Orchestra, whose rendition of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score provides the emotional backbone of the ballet. The Brown-Forman Nutcracker is more than just a ballet; it’s a cherished local tradition that brings families and friends together to celebrate the magic of the holiday season.

DECEMBER 12, 13 AND 14TH

2025 Louisville Sketchers Hot Chocolate Run 129 River Road | 8+ | $59+

Join us on December 13th, 2025, for the Hot Chocolate Run, where fun meets flavor in the most delicious way possible. Choose your challenge << 5K, 10K, or 15K >> and cross the finish line into a chocolate lover’s paradise. Want to level up your experience? Treat yourself to the VIP Cocoa Club, an exclusive upgrade that includes premium swag, extra-special treats, and a cozy lounge to relax and indulge postrun. It’s the ultimate way to run sweet and live sweeter. With a post-race party packed with rich fondue, sweet surprises, and good vibes, this isn’t just a run, it’s a full-on chocolate celebration.

DECEMBER 13

A Very Old-Fashioned Christmas Market

13060 Factory Lane | All Ages |FREE

Step into a storybook Christmas market where a winter’s day comes alive with the warmth of neighbors, the glow of twinkling lights, and the comforting scents of fresh bread and pine. This outdoor event, rain or shine, promises to capture the spirit of Christmases long ago. Experience the simple joys of the season with candlelight charm and holiday cheer, fresh-baked breads, pies, and seasonal foods, handcrafted gifts and timeless artisan wares, and carolers, children’s laughter, and holiday music.

DECEMBER 13

SantaCon Louisville 2025

Given at time of registration | All Ages |$21 | santaconlouisville.org

The 14th Annual SantaCon Louisville is back! On Saturday, December 13th, all Santas and their Christmas-themed brethren will report to a secret, undisclosed location announced by Santa on SantaCon eve. SantaCon is a charitable, non-commercial, non-political, nonsensical Santa Claus convention that happens yearly to FUNdraise for Blessings In a Backpack. It’s a gathering of people dressed as Santa Claus and other Holiday Characters parading publicly on streets and in bars in cities worldwide. It’s focused on spontaneity and creativity while spreading cheer and goodwill. Registration begins sharply at 2pm. Shortly after, Santa will lead you through the city on a magical, merry, and mysterious tour leading to The North Pole Extravaganza! Get exclusive Santa access - drink specials and free entrance to The NorthPole Extravaganza, the official SantaCon afterparty! Follow Santa throughout Louisville to the North Pole Extravaganza at Laugh Louisville at 4th Street Live, where the after-party starts at 8pm!

DECEMBER 14

Humbug; Holiday Artist Market

Idlewild Butterfly Farm | All Ages |FREE

Get into the holiday spirit at Humbug, a super cool artist market happening at Idlewild! This is your chance to snag some amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces from talented local artists. You can browse and buy original art from folks like Angryblue, Lyndi Lou, and Dandelion. Plus, you’ll see compelling art from Chloe Lee and intricate creations by Jessica Chao. And don’t forget Sam Parker, whose vision always stands out. Humbug at Idlewild isn’t just a market; it’s a celebration of local talent and the perfect spot to find those special holiday gifts and treasures.

DECEMBER 13

Southwest Christmas

Waverly Hills Sanatorium | All ages |FREE

Southwest Christmas is back, inviting you to a magical night of free family fun and a toy giveaway, filled with Christmas cheer and activities designed for all ages. A winter wonderland of activities awaits, including a Creative Corner for face painting, and Sweet Treats & Decorations where you can indulge in cookie decorating and create unique ornaments. Complimentary refreshments will warm your heart with sweet sips like cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee, alongside hearty bites of chili and refreshing drinks. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food donation at the entrance to give back to our community, supporting local non-profits and ministries and spreading holiday cheer and essential resources to those in need. Join us in making a difference this holiday season!

DECEMBER

20

Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025 Louisville Memorial Auditorium | All ages |$50+

December 20th, Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025 is coming to the Louisville Memorial Auditorium in LOUISVILLE, KY! Born from the spirit of Vienna, the birthplace of orchestral music and home to some of the most celebrated Christmas concerts in the world, The Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025 is a global concert experience that blends sweeping symphonic sound with theatrical beauty. Join us for this magical holiday experience, over 2,000 flickering candlelights illuminate worldclass musicians & vocalists, and a few Christmas surprises along the way—creating a nostalgic atmosphere with the most treasured Christmas Classics. A holiday evening with your loved ones you’ll never forget! (Limited Seating - Best Seats Won’t Last!)

DECEMBER

13 & 14

The Flea Off Market’s 15th Annual Indoor Holiday Bazaar Mellwood Arts Center | All Ages |FREE

The Flea Off Market is celebrating its 15th Annual Indoor Holiday Bazaar at the Mellwood Arts Center on December 13th and 14th, offering a festive shopping experience with over 150 local artists and vendors selling unique gifts, vintage treasures, and handcrafted items. In addition to the extensive shopping opportunities, the bazaar will feature local food trucks, a full bar with craft beers and cocktails, live music performances, and a visit from Santa, ensuring a fun and family-friendly event with free admission and convenient parking.

DECEMBER 20

Krampusnacht 914 E. Main Street - New Albany | All ages |$20+

The Culbertson Mansion, a notoriously haunted house, is reopening for a terrifying holiday haunt. This year, the Friends of Culbertson Mansion present a dark twist on the holidays, featuring Krampus, the mythical horned punisher of naughty children. Visitors will navigate the mansion’s unsettling interiors, adorned with eerie holiday decorations, to confront their past year’s behavior. This immersive experience challenges guests to discover if they’ve made Krampus’s naughty list.

LOUDER THAN LAST: HOW THE LOUISVILLE-AREA BAND LEFT FOR LAST ENDED UP ON STAGE AT NORTH

AMERICA’S LARGEST

ROCK FESTIVAL

“This music is everything to us, and nothing can stop us from here!”

BY: JEFF POLK

“Last time we brought the show, now we’re bringing you the fucking concert!” yelled Left For Last vocalist Reese Osborne, opening up their set at the finals for Loudest In Lou – a Danny Wimmer Presents-sponsored band battle held at The Fox Den for a chance to play Louder Than Life 2025. And he wasn’t fucking kidding! If you weren’t already a fan of the band at the beginning of their set, you damn sure were by the end. These four baby-faced guys in their early twenties ripped through a full set with all of the precision and chops of seasoned professionals, proving that not only were they ready to play Louder Than Life, but that they could also hang with any of the other 175+ bands playing it. So it wasn’t exactly a shock when the winner was announced.

So who are they and how’d they get here?

“Left For Last is an emerging rock/metal band out of the Louisville, KY/Southern IN area,” reads their band bio, which goes on to state that each band member “brings musically diverse backgrounds to the table to create a rather unique experience.” And they’re not wrong. There is something very special happening here.

The origins of Left For Last can be traced back to the very early 2020s (if not further), when vocalist/guitarist Reese Osborne and James Reed (then on drums, now on guitar) formed Operation Loudmouth (OPLM). Given that the name “Loudmouths” was coined to lovingly describe the attendees of Louder Than Life, it almost seems like it was destiny from day one that this band would eventually grace the stage at Louder Than Life.

The band began crafting their sound by writing original material that drew influence from the likes of Avenged Sevenfold, Trivium, Deftones, Bad Omens, and others. Unbeknownst at the time, the band would later share the bill with many of their biggest influences at Louder Than Life 2025. And in a bit of further foreshadowing, the band played their very first show at The Fox Den in the summer of 2023 – the same stage that they would later win their place at the festival on. From 2023-2025, some member changes brought about the addition of James’ brother, Elijah (LJ) Reed, on bass and Jordan Johnson on drums to fill out what would become known as Left For Last.

During this time, OPLM continued to play local shows, further honing their sound and musicianship. Of particular note, in late 2024, the band played a huge show at Zanzabar opening for Mike’s Dead, a band that had played

Louder Than Life earlier that same year (more foreshadowing).

In mid-March of 2025, the band began teasing on social media that something new was on the horizon. Days later, it was revealed that OPLM would now be known as Left For Last with the announcement: “Times are changing, and so are we… same music, same energy— just a name that we feel better represents who we are as a band, and where we are wanting to go.”

Around the same time, Louder Than Life producers Danny Wimmer Presents began advertising their first-ever battle of the bands competition called Loudest in Lou, and the winner would get to play a full set at Louder Than Life 2025. Bands/artists interested were to send in a performance video under four minutes long, which would be reviewed by a panel of DWP judges. Apparently not one to ignore destiny when it’s staring them in the face, Left For Last recorded and submitted a live-inthe-studio version of their then-newly released single “Grave Digger.”

Out of the hundreds of submissions, only

four Louisville-area bands would be chosen to compete in the semifinals in July at The Fox Den: BenjeeHoward (post-punk/emo), Bury The Masses (aggressive nu metal), Signal The Revolution (alt-metal), and Left For Last. Each band getting to do a short set of around 20 minutes.

For those of you unaware, these are some heavy hitters. BenjeeHoward has been carving quite a name for themselves in the local music scene. Bury The Masses is fronted by rapper Berran Lee, who has had hundreds of thousands of streams between BTM and his own solo material. And Signal The Revolution had recently worked with famed producer/songwriter Kile Odell (Motionless In White, Nita Strauss, Nothing More). With only one single out and only a handful of shows under their belt, Left For Last was definitely the underdog in this fight.

Nevertheless, the band shifted their full priority towards the competition, often spending 12-hour days several days a week practicing and working on new material. “Playing Louder

Than Life was seen as one of our long-term goals,” said bassist LJ Reed. “We had no idea how soon it would end up coming true for us.”

There is a great 15-minute documentary on YouTube made by LFL drummer Jordan Johnson about the experience of playing Loudest In Lou called The Manifest Web Series – Amongst the Loudest (episode 002), and it is well worth your time to watch. In it, you get an up-close and personal view into Johnson’s and, ultimately, the entire band’s mindset during the competition. During the documentary, Johnson seemed to be rooting for the other bands as much as his own. At one point, Johnson speaks on the possibility of the band winning on their own merit, stating, “I don’t want to win against someone because they had an off-night, or go to the next round because somebody messed something up. I want everybody to be 110% perfect, so I win for being 110% perfect.”

Later in the documentary during the competition, Johnson elaborated, “I’m glad that everybody’s having their best night, that’s exactly what I wanted, win or lose.” Johnson goes on to say,

“My perspective has changed a lot. Like, I want the world to do better. I want everyone to win. I feel good. I feel like I’ve already won, even if I lose.”

The band obviously succeeded in winning over the crowd during their set at the semifinals, as the Left For Last chants can be heard loudly and clearly in the documentary when the names of the finalists were being announced. Signal The Revolution was announced as the first band moving on, which drew loud applause from the audience. “There’s one more band moving on,” said the host amidst the Left For Last chants. “And that band is,” (long dramatic pause), “Left For Last,” and the crowd absolutely exploded in cheers.

For the finals, both Left For Last and Signal The Revolution were required to do full 45-minute sets. This proved a little difficult for LFL, as Johnson admits during the documentary,

“We didn’t have enough music, so we had to write like a third of an album. So we wrote like four songs for the next show. They don’t even have lyrics yet. We still have to practice them.”

And practice they did, playing an impressive 9-song set for the finals the following weekend (complete with pyros).

Again, Left For Last chants erupted during the announcement of the winner, this time to the point that the host had to quiet down the audience before making the announcement. And once again, the crowd absolutely exploded in cheers when Left For Last was revealed as the first-ever winner of Loudest In Lou.

Following the win, Johnson said, “We had [a picture of] Kobe Bryant [on the set list]. The band, we were all stoked after week one, and I was the only one that was like ‘Shut up, it’s not over.’ So I played a clip of Kobe at the postgame interview

[after] they had a really big win in a [series] game, and he goes, ‘What’s there to be happy about?

The job’s not finished.’ So the job’s finished now, so I’m happy now,” Johnson said of the win.

Not only did the band win a slot at Louder Than Life, but they were also invited to play the official Louder Than Life Friday night after party at the Crown Plaza Ballroom, where they played 13 original songs over two unique sets to an enthusiastic crowd.

Saturday, September 20, 2025, 11:45 am, Left For Last claimed their prize; performing a halfhour set on the Big Bourbon Bar stage, which was the first set of the day at Louder Than Life. And the Loudmouths did not disappoint, showing up in force for this virtually unheard of local band. Of the experience, LJ Reed said; “We had no idea what to expect. We worked many sleepless nights and 12-hour writing sessions just to make sure this show would be the best we had ever played, and we ended up delivering something we were really proud of. We had mosh pits in our crowd, people jumping, yelling, and headbanging, and we had the best experience of our lives!”

To get hundreds of people who have little

knowledge of your band, many of whom had probably never heard them before, moshing before lunchtime is a hell of an accomplishment! The band can also now say in all truthfulness that they’ve opened for Deftones, Bad Omens, Trivium, Cypress Hill, A Perfect Circle, I Prevail, Stone Temple Pilots, and the 36 other bands that played that day. And as you’re probably aware, the 2025 edition of Louder Than Life broke all previous festival attendance records with a combined 450,000 people between LTL and Bourbon and Beyond the previous weekend. Being able to say you played alongside several of the biggest bands in rock music at literally the largest all-rock music festival in the history of North America makes for a hell of an impressive band resume!

“We’re not stopping here,” said LJ Reed. “We have an EP fully written and expected to release later this year, as well as most of an LP written that we’re aiming for release within the next year.” These guys are young, hungry, driven, and determined, and we can certainly expect big things from them in the future. And I, for one, wouldn’t be surprised to see their name in the Louder Than Life lineup again before long, except higher up next time.

“We won’t stop pushing for our dreams,” said Reed. “This music is everything to us, and nothing can stop us from here!”

You can find Left For Last on Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Watch Jordan Johnson’s documentary The Manifest Web Series – Amongst the Loudest (episode 002) on his YouTube channel: youtube. com/@jordoggski.

Reed

Shelby Osbourne, Pic’s N Riffs

Predator is a fascinating franchise. With six live-action movies over nearly 40 years, the stories have always oscillated between science-fiction worldbuilding, monster movie setups, or spectacle-driven action filmmaking.

But this latest entry, Predator: Badlands, is the most action packed to date, straining the notion that this series was ever horror adjacent. The driving force behind this shift is that director Dan Trachtenberg and screenwriter Patrick Alson (who also collaborated on Prey, the previous entry in the franchise) made this the first Predator movie with a Predator as the pointof-view character.

The story follows Dek, a runty Yautja warrior hated by his own clan who embarks on a mission to take an unkillable beast as his hunting trophy. Landing on a planet where hostile species of plant and animal lurk all around, Dek quickly finds he is in over his head and must accept the companionship of Thia, a wounded android with a mission of her own.

Their partnership lends the movie its heart and soul, as well as a surprising amount of levity. With humor and action in spades, Badlands is a home-run of a blockbuster that will delight fans and newcomers alike.

The Predator Becomes the Protagonist in ‘Badlands’

The greatest feat of this movie is that Trachtenberg manages to pull off a full-length movie following a monstrous character who only speaks in an alien language. The lifeline for the audience comes in the form of Thia, portrayed with a plucky spirit by Elle Fanning. Thia feels like a video game companion who joins the strong, silent hero to bring the energy up, and Fanning does so remarkably well. But Dek is the central character, and his relationships with his clan, his mission, and his outlooks on what it means to be a warrior are the engine of Badlands

Dek’s character offers a more robust view of the worldbuilding of Yautja culture than any Predator movie up until this point. His smaller stature and perceived weakness put a target on his back, and his father/clan leader would rather execute him than even give him the chance to complete his first proper hunt.

Dek is portrayed by Dimitrius SchusterKoloamatangi, a stunt performer providing both the physicality in a practical effects suit and the alien-language dialogue. That SchusterKoloamatangi and Fanning are able to express an impressive level of buddy-cop energy through an interplanetary language barrier is a great sign

‘PREDATOR: BADLANDS’ REVIEW: An

Iconic

Franchise Delivers

Its

Most Expansive, Explosive Entry Yet

BY: DANIEL CRUSE

of how both actors were up to the task of making this story matter.

The Action Spectacle of ‘Badlands’ Proves ‘Predator’ One of the Most Durable Franchises

Because Badlands follows a Predator as a protagonist, the film is more action oriented than past entries which leaned into horror.

The monster-movie nature of earlier Predator films is replaced with explosive action from start to finish. Dek fights his way through a jungle full of alien adversaries, whether it be murderous tree vines or giant animals, as well as a fair share of androids. Though he and Thia are working in tandem, they are being trailed by Tessa, Thia’s other half. Tessa is far more ruthless and colder than Thia, played in a fantastic juxtaposition of Thia’s demeanor by Fanning in a dual role. Tessa brings a band of androids along with her who also threaten Dek’s mission, lending Badlands many of its fight sequences.

Badlands is not a revelatory movie on a narrative or thematic level. Trachtenberg leans on tropes which are tried and true for hero’s journey stories, but even when the story beats feel familiar, it works because they are all employed with precision and a lack of self-seriousness. If the movie feels boilerplate at times, any quality of

staleness quickly subsides when Trachtenberg delivers another thrilling action set-piece.

Despite the PG-13 rating, which was a put off for some fans, Badlands proves the arbitrary nature of the MPA’s guidelines on violence as it gets away with quite a bit of alien or robot “gore” which passes simply because it does not match the color of human viscera. All this to say, if you want some gnarly Predator kills, you are still in good hands.

‘Badlands’ is a Complete Story, But It Hints at Exciting Directions for Future ‘Predator’ Stories

The major talking point around the trailer for this movie, and one that has not been obscured at all in the various marketing materials, is that Thia and Tessa are Weyland-Utani androids, plucked straight from the Alien franchise. Fanning joins a long line of actors from Ian Holm in Ridley Scott’s original to Michael Fassbender and, most recently, David Jonsson as a standout in Alien: Romulus, in playing these iconic androids.

While it may have been a shock to see Badlands put this front and center in the film’s promotional run, the truth is that Badlands wisely avoids any baggage that relates to setting up a direct Alien and Predator crossover.

Weyland-Utani’s presence looms over the film, but it does not overtake the story, nor does the film end on a tease for a future crossover. It is clear that the two stories once again share a universe, as they did in the 2000s when Alien vs. Predator was released to largely negative reception.

With Romulus hitting and the undeniable success of Prey and Badlands, both franchises are in a much better place now than in 2004 when that first attempt fell short. Trachtenberg’s love for these worlds is clear enough that fans should feel confident he would not take on a crossover unless it really was the right story at the right time.

Badlands only lays some groundwork for what may come, but it is undoubtedly a complete movie unto itself, and one of the most successful in the franchise so far. Trachtenberg brought new energy and a new scope to this series that works as well for first-time viewers with zero context as it will for die-hard fans excited to see a different take on a Predator story.

8 out of 10

Predator: Badlands is now playing in theaters.

BOOKS KENTUCKY’S NEW BOOK THRILLS

BY T.E. LYONS

There are so many flavors and shades to thrilling reads these days. Anyone who needs exciting entertainment that either reinforces or distracts from their worldview can see variations on relatable protagonists going through degrees of threats to their well-being. Kentucky writers have delivered a wealth of selection in recent months for those who wish to wrap up and give thrillers as gifts for friends and family. Of course the same applies to those looking for their own next read to enjoy on their e-reader as they sit by their gas-flamed yule log.

Let’s start with some reliable, established entertainers. Kentuckiana’s Mick Williams has a rerelease (and punched-up revision) of his early novel “Whatever It Takes.” This is a solid meat-and-potatoes helping of the “resourceful stranger arrives in town and becomes target of conspirators” subgenre. Fans of Lee Child’s Reacher series will find this a recognizable pleasure.

J.H. Markert has become a veritable machine for gripping tales you can’t put down, with families in jeopardy and chilling twists at the end of every fast-paced chapter. “Spider to the Fly” has a generously scaled plot with a serial killer on I-64 and a true-crime-investigating mama bear trying to work alongside reluctant law enforcement regulars to make the highway safe. Practiced, cold assassins, and deranged serial killers.

Too mundane for you? The answer comes courtesy of two of our area’s most creative horror writers. For her second novel, Louisville author and bookstore owner Jenny Kiefer has come up with her second fantastical premise. “Crafting for Sinners” boldly pits a backwoods lesbian couple against a fanatical cult running their town’s central church. When one of the young women has need to go to the church-run craft-supply store, she suddenly finds herself chased by clerks who spout gospel but demand blood. That’s just the start of the paranoid and creepy episodes spun along with some absurd pitch-black humor. You might never look at long knitting needles or kitschy, devout Christmas décor the same way again. Is your taste in horror incomplete without monsters? Laurel Hightower has written a cohesive and claustrophobic mash-up of legends of abandoned coalmines and naïve cryptid-chasers. Shortwave Publishing found it to be perfect for its line of novellas recapturing the spirit of 1980s quickie horror movies as were found in video stores. “The Long Low Whistle” also has some cleverly tucked-in things to say about giving over your life to solving mysteries of family, community, culture—but the main course is a shivery dish of being trapped in dark water with something

slithering against you, cutting into your skin. Alright, now for novels where the wild rides of the plot’s path aren’t as prevalent as the people who are going through—then trying to get past—terrible things happening to them. A little closer to mainstream literary endeavors? Well, the characterizations are certainly more ambitious— but other than that, let’s let each reader enjoy to their own tastes. Instead, let’s just note that S.D. House is offering his debut murder-mystery. But it’s not a typical debut. The author has already served as the commonwealth’s poet laureate, and he’s also shown range in fiction written under his more famous name: Silas House.

Why the pseudonym? Maybe he wanted to be free of certain expectations that hem in his reputation. And sure enough, “Dead Man’s Blues” opens with a fatal knifing—conveyed with a touch of breezy flair. It reminded me of John D. McDonald; this seemed to be an author having fun while he hones his genre-specific skills. Later on in this slim book we’ll be led to the impression that the protagonist is a bit of a horndog, with some unreliability born from self-pity. Part of the mystery in this murder-mystery is seeing whether and how he’ll rise above.

Another type of thrilling read is when an author goes all-in on portraiture of the highly unstable. Christina Dotson of Bowling Green delivers a version of this with “Love You to Death,” in which friends Kayla and Zorie egg each other on and trip each other up on their crooked path up to and after becoming the “Wedding Crasher Killers.” They are sinned against plenty to go along with their own sins, and Dotson’s clear-eyed delivery of the blow by-blow details reflects her professional experience as a clinical social worker. Her style is still developing, but this debut shows fullblooded commitment to light the way for readers to follow along with heartbreaking betrayals and loyalty tests, while holding in righteous perspective the opportunities for cheap points in action scenes.

THIS AGAIN

BY DAN SAVAGE

Hey Dan: The person who introduced me to your column and podcast — my wife — is ironically the source of my woes. We have a child and a lovely home and financial security. But the issue is my feelings of sexual dissatisfaction. My wife suffers from health issues that make sex painful. I never pressure her, and her wellbeing is always my top priority, so for years I’ve “taken care of myself.” However, she also isn’t a “touchy-feely person,” while I love cuddles, holding hands, and kissing. As the years have gone by, I’ve grown resentful. I feel undesired and unloved. I no longer initiate any sexual moves, since I always get rejected. Since she has “good days” and “bad days,” we agreed the ball should be in her court and that she would initiate when she was feeling well enough. However, this has led to months of no sexual contact. We maybe had sex twice a year. We try and have open communication and when it reaches a point of me feeling particularly down, I raise the subject. This usually resorts in us setting a date to at least snuggle, but it feels like a chore for her, which just exacerbates my feelings of worthlessness. For that reason, I’ve stopped trying at all.

I’m in my early thirties and I feel like my best sexual years are disappearing before my eyes. I recently started going to trance nights and meeting new people. Speaking to other women and feeling a sense that I’m desired has made me feel alive again. I’ve been faithful to my wife, but I can’t see things continuing as they are and the two of us maintaining a healthy relationship. If you had suggested an open relationship to me six years ago, I would’ve said you were psychotic, as I once experienced pretty intense jealousy. But now the thought of my wife with another man does not bother me at all.

These are my questions:

1. Is an open relationship a feasible option?

2. Would suggesting this not destroy my wife’s self-esteem or, at the very least, hurt her feelings?

3. Is there another alternative your wise ass would suggest?

—Aging Sex Machine Resentments

1. Is an open relationship a feasible option? That’s a tough one — let me go ask my husband of thirty years and my boyfriend of thirteen years.

Good news! My husband and boyfriend both said open relationships are a feasible option. In fact, there are countless examples of onceclosed-now-open relationships that work, mine included, and if you’ve been reading and/or listening to me for more than a month, ASMR, you couldn’t have been ignorant of that fact. There are also lots of examples out there — far more examples — of successful closed relationships, including ones where the sex dried up for health reasons. So, honoring the monogamous commitment you made (“in

sickness and in health”), it has to be said, is another feasible option.

“Feasible” doesn’t mean “frictionless,” ASMR, whether we’re talking about open or closed relationships. And if living with very little sex and next to no physical intimacy isn’t a feasible option for you any longer — if the emotional friction is more than you can bear — something will have to change. But if you don’t wanna be a cheating piece of shit, ASMR, you’ll need your wife’s permission before you start fucking the women you’re meeting at those trance nights.

2. The request you’re about to make — this enormous ask — is going to hurt your wife’s feelings. While she’s likely aware of the problem, ASMR, there’s a good chance she’s rationalized and/or minimized the problem; it’s also possible you’ve worked so hard to avoid pressuring her that she doesn’t know how unhappy you really are. And asking you to go without sex — or to live with very little sex and no physical contact — is itself an enormous ask.

But asking your wife to open your marriage… for perfectly legitimate reasons… will force your wife to confront two painful subjects: your unhappiness and her illness. At the very least, she’s going to be sad; it’s entirely possible she’ll be devastated. And she’s almost certain to have perfectly legitimate fears — are you going to leave her for someone else? — and while you can offer reassurances, ASMR, the only way you can prove you won’t leave her if she agrees to open your marriage is by not leaving her once you do. Kind of a Catch 22.

3. There are only three options in cases like yours: leave, cheat, ask. I haven’t been holding out on you guys for the last 35 years, I swear, and if there was a magical fourth option — something that could solve the problem of sexlessor-near-sexless monogamous marriages without anyone getting their feelings hurt and/or anyone doing something they know is wrong — I would’ve shared it with you already.

P.S. Your wife reads my column — so, you had to know she would read your letter and recognize you, right?

P.P.S. If you ask and your wife’s answer is “no,” you can revisit your other choices: leave or cheat. Not ideal, I realize, but those are your options.

P.P.P.S. There is a fourth option: ask again later.

Hey Dan: I’m an Italian straight man, married to a beautiful English woman for fifteen years. We have two kids and we live in Italy. We have been navigating non-monogamy in various troubled ways for over five years. It started with cheating before we settled on tolyamory. All along, my wife said she wasn’t into meeting new people. But she recently reconnected with an old flame on Facebook. There has been some intense sexting and an exchange of nude photos. This all happened in secret. She finally confessed to me, saying she wants to pursue a relationship with this man (he lives in Holland) despite the fact that he is in a long-term relationship and his partner (they also have two kids) is not aware of his behavior, so he is cheating. The cheating has only occurred online up to

now, but a meeting has been mentioned. I was in shock that my wife kept this from me and started a relationship without first talking about it. I would like her to stop interacting with this person and, if she must, seek out a more ethical connection. But she says he is the only other man she is interested in. Do you think my feelings are valid? She said she could just be friends with this guy without their chats being sexual, but I’m not sure that makes it any better. What do you think I should do?

—Lying Isn’t Ever Sensible

Calm the fuck down. Your wife isn’t guilty of “starting a relationship” without talking to you first, LIES, because she isn’t in a relationship with this guy. She sent some dirty texts and swapped nudes with a guy she hasn’t seen for at least fifteen years — that’s all she did — and while she may even have been sexting with intent, nothing actually happened. She didn’t cheat on you, LIES, and this Dutch guy hasn’t cheated on his wife. If you want to do the most possible damage to your marriage, you can keep giving your wife grief for not disclosing this flirtation the moment it started… but why would you want to do that?

You say you guys settled on tolyamory, LIES, but you seem a little unclear on the concept: tolyamory means tolerating or putting up with your spouse’s affairs. While very few toly couples have explicit agreements, being toly means turning a blind eye to what you suspect (or know) your partner is doing behind your back. In a mutually toly relationship, neither partner needs permission to do what they’re gonna do, LIES, so long as they do it discreetly. If that’s not what you want — if you require advance disclosure and want to have a veto — settling on tolyamory was a mistake.

You and the wife began to explore ethical non-monogamy after someone cheated, LIES, but you don’t say who it was that cheated first. The omission makes me suspect it was you. And seeing as your wife hasn’t expressed an interest in another man in the last five years, this is the first time you’ve had to confront the reality that your wife may want to act on her freedom, just as you’ve acted on yours. I suspect you’re blowing her “infraction” out of all proportion in an effort to even the score: you cheated, you were wrong, you had to make it up to her. Now you’re accusing your wife of cheating (which she hasn’t done) so you can tell yourself that she’s guilty of the same wrong. If you want veto power over your wife’s choice of potential lovers, you can ask for that. But if you went with toly or DADT because that’s what you wanted — if you wanted one of the turn-a-blind-eye options — you didn’t actually have a veto. Which means your wife didn’t need to tell you who she was thinking about fucking. It’s a mistake she won’t make in the future.

Hey Dan: My wife and I basically are in a sexless relationship. We’ve been in separate beds for a few years now (her choice), and sexual intimacy is rare, and is always initiated by me. It only happens one way, and it’s never penetrative. We saw a couples counsellor a few years ago, and our therapist

recommended we see someone who specializes in sexual intimacy. I found some locally, but my wife had no interest in going, and it never happened. I try to discuss it and suggest ways to initiate things, but she has no interest and changes the subject. I am at a loss. I don’t know how to move forward. This is important to me, and I currently feel very lonely in my marriage.

—Feeling Alone In Love

Leave, cheat, ask.

Hey Dan: I’m in marital purgatory- waiting to save enough to move out (hard and expensive in the Bay Area) one of the things that put a sexual strain on the partnership was asking my husband of 21 years why I had to initiate every single physical interaction. Was it because he wasn’t interested? He said he was VERY interested in sex, but because I had told him — eight years earlier (!) when he complained that once a week wasn’t enough for him — that he could jerk off if he was really horny, he decided to stop initiating at all. This is just one thing that led to three completely sexless years. However, from tell-tale crusty washcloths left in the backyard shack he moved into for a while, he’s jerking off on the regular. After our teenager left for college, my husband moved into their bedroom. Can I tell him to NOT jerk off in our child’s bed? I’m in a super sad place. He’s moved on and it is out pursuing his musical interests, which sometimes means he’s hanging out with a bunch of teenagers who used to be in high school with our child. I have to bear this until I’m able to leave. I’m just so grossed out. Is this a reasonable request?

—Gagging Regularly Over Soiled Socks

It is not. You and your husband have essentially separated, GROSS, and you don’t get to tell someone you’re no longer with — not in any meaningful sense — where, when, and how they’re allowed to masturbate. And unless you’re physically entering what is, for the time being, your future ex-husband’s bedroom, you won’t be confronted with the evidence that he’s jerking off in there. So, don’t open the door and go into that room, GROSS, and if you’re doing his laundry (and I pray you aren’t), stop. Then it’ll be easier not to think about where, when, and how your husband is jerking off.

I’m really sorry you’re sad, GROSS, and I hope you win the lottery and you’re able to move out this weekend. Until your numbers hit, I want you out there pursuing your own interests — and possibly banging some teenagers yourself, which Megan R. Kelly assures us is perfectly fine now — because you’ll be happier, most importantly, and your husband’s crusty washcloths won’t bother you quite so much. He didn’t wait until you moved out to move on from you, GROSS, and you shouldn’t wait until you’ve moved out to move on from him.

Got problems? Yes, you do! Email your question for the column to mailbox@savage.love!

Or record your question for the Savage Lovecast at savage.love/askdan!

Podcasts, columns and more at Savage.Love

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

December 1-31

ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The Japanese word mushin means “no mind.” In Zen Buddhism, it refers to the state of flow where thinking stops and being takes over. When you are moving along in the groove of mushin, your body knows what to do before your brain catches up. You’re so present you disappear into the action itself. Athletes refer to it as “the zone.” It’s the place where effort becomes effortless, where you stop trying and simply love the doing. In the coming weeks, Aries, you can enjoy this state more than you have in a long time. Ride it with glee!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): For the foreseeable future, salmon are your spirit creatures. I’ll remind you about their life cycle. They are born in freshwater, migrate to the ocean, and live there for years. Then they return, moving against river currents, up waterfalls, past bears and eagles. Eventually, they arrive at the exact stream where they were born. How do they do it? They navigate using the Earth’s magnetic field and their sense of smell, remembering chemical signatures from years ago. I think your own calling is as vivid as theirs, dear Taurus. And in the coming weeks, you will be extra attuned to that primal signal. Trust the ancient pull back toward your soul’s home.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): What if procrastination isn’t always a problem? On some occasions, maybe it’s a message from your deeper self. Delay could serve as a form of protection. Avoidance might be a sign of your deep wisdom at work. Consider these possibilities, Gemini. What if your resistance to the “should” is actually your soul’s immune system rejecting a foreign agenda? It might be trying to tell you secrets about what you truly want versus what you think you should want.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’m only slightly joking when I recommend that you practice the art of sacred bitching in the coming days. You are hereby authorized to complain and criticize with creative zeal. But the goal is not to push hard in a quest to solve problems perfectly. Instead, simply give yourself the luxury of processing and metabolizing the complications. Your venting and whining won’t be pathological, but a legitimate way to achieve emotional release. Sometimes, like now, you need acknowledgment more than solutions. Allowing feelings is more crucial than fixing things. The best course of action is saying “this is hard” until it’s slightly less hard.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The Chinese concept of yuanfen means that some connections are fated. Certain people were always meant to

cross your path. Not soulmates necessarily, but soul-evokers: those who bring transformations that were inscribed on your destiny before you knew they were coming. When you meet a new person and feel instant recognition, that’s yuanfen. When a relationship changes your life, that’s yuanfen. When timing aligns impossibly but wonderfully, that’s yuanfen. According to my analysis, you Leos are due for such phenomena in the coming weeks—at least two, maybe more. Some opportunities appear because you pursue them. Others were always going to arrive simply because you opened your mind and heart.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Let’s talk about a forest’s roots. Mostly hidden from sight, they are the source of all visible life. They are always communicating with each other, sharing nourishment and information. When extra help is needed, they call on fungi networks to support them, distributing their outreach even further. Your own lineage works similarly, Virgo. It’s nutrient-rich and endlessly intertwined with others, some of whom came long before you. You are the flowering tip of an unseen intelligence. Every act of grounding— breathing deeply, resting your feet, returning to gratitude—is your body’s way of remembering its subterranean ancestry. Please keep these meditations at the forefront of your awareness in the coming weeks. I believe you will thrive to the degree that you draw from your extensive roots.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You are currently in a phase when it’s highly possible to become both smarter and wiser. You have a sixth sense for knowing exactly how to enhance both your intellectual and emotional intelligence. With this happy news in mind, I will remind you that your brain is constantly growing and changing. Every experience carves new neural pathways. Every repeated thought strengthens certain connections and weakens others. You’re not stuck with the brain you have, but are continuously building the brain that’s evolving. The architecture of your consciousness is always under construction. Take full advantage of this resilience and plasticity!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The coming weeks will be a favorable time to stand near what you want to become. I advise you to surround yourself with the energy you want to embody. Position yourself in the organic ecosystem of your aspirations without grasping or forcing. Your secret power is not imitation but osmosis. Not ambition but proximity. The transformations you desire will happen

sideways, through exposure and absorption. You won’t become by trying to become; you will become by staying close to what calls you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Some seeds can remain dormant for centuries, waiting for the right conditions to germinate. The oldest successfully germinated seed was a 2,000-year-old date palm seed. I suspect you will experience psychospiritual and metaphorical versions of this marvel in the coming weeks. Certain aspects of you have long been dormant but are about to sprout. Some of your potentials have been waiting for conditions that you haven’t encountered until recently. Is there anything you can do to encourage these wondrous developments? Be alert for subtle magic that needs just a little nudge.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Orb weaver spiders make seven different types of silk, each engineered for different purposes: sticky silk for catching prey, strong silk for the web’s frame, stretchy silk for wrapping food, and soft silk for egg sacs. In other words, they don’t generate a stream of generic resources and decide later what to do with them. Each type of silk is produced by distinct silk glands and spinnerets, and each is carefully tailored for a particular use. I advise you to be like the orb weavers in the coming weeks, Capricorn. Specificity will be your superpower.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Benevolent gossip is the practice of speaking about people not to diminish them but to fondly wonder about them and try to understand them. What if gossip could be generous? What if talking about someone in their absence could be an act of compassionate curiosity rather than judgment? What if you spoke about everyone as if they might overhear you—not from fear but from respect? Your words about others could be spells that shape how they exist in the collective imagination. Here’s another beautiful fact about benevolent gossip: It can win you appreciation and attention that will enhance your ability to attract the kind of help and support you need.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Every 21,000 years, the Sahara Desert transforms into a lush green savanna. It’s due to precession, which is a wobble in the Earth’s axis. The African seasonal monsoon becomes much stronger, bringing increased rainfall to the entire area. The last time this occurred was from about 11,000 to 5,000 years ago. During this era, the Sahara supported lakes, rivers, grasslands, and diverse animal and human populations. I’m predicting a comparable shift for you in the coming months, Pisces. The onset of luxuriant growth is already underway. And right now is an excellent time to encourage and expedite the onset of flourishing abundance. Formulate the plans and leap into action.

Homework: Give yourself a pep talk about how to thrive when other people aren’t at their best. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

IN THE REARVIEW

BY DANIEL GRINBERG AND RAFAEL MUSA

PUZZLES EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

Daniel Grinberg, of Philadelphia, researches user experience for an energy company. Rafael Musa, of San Francisco, is a software engineer at Airbnb. They met last year at a crossword tournament and hit it off. This is Daniel’s seventh crossword for The Times and Rafael’s 16th. Most of Rafael’s puzzles here have been collaborations. He says co-constructing ‘‘is a great way to get to know someone.’’ — W.S.

ACROSS

1 Dazzling display

6 Tech giant based in Cupertino, Calif.

11 Plant with bugs?

14 Formation of rugby players

19 Queendom in the Bible

20 Hint at L.G.B.T.Q.+ story lines to generate buzz

22 Give an address

23 What a tight deadline might require or what’s found in 30-Across?

25 Viennese ‘‘please’’ 26 Attacked 27 Do perfectly

28 Hound or dog

29 What’s-____-name

30 Question when leaving a grocery store, perhaps

34 Inaugural

38 Unwanted event at a speakeasy

39 Spot for a pin

40 Lyricist Gershwin

41 Halls that may have glass ceilings

42 Improvise

44 ‘‘Everything Changed’’ (Taylor Swift song)

45 Scheme

46 Tolerate misbehavior or what’s

found in 56-Across?

49 Collectors of signatures?

50 ____ of Cleves, wife of Henry VIII

51 Newspaper section

52 Tuna variety

53 Word with lock or pocket

54 Second printings, e.g.

56 Source of some public funding

62 Boiling state

63 Author of the 1964 artist’s book ‘‘Grapefruit’’

64 Legal tender

65 When doubled, a dance

66 Home of the Sugarloaf Cable Car, informally

67 Totally the wrong way or what’s found in 79-Across?

70 ‘‘Really! Check for yourself!’’

72 Radar gun inits.

73 Philosophy

74 It may be on the chopping block

75 ‘‘Uh-huh, whatever you say!’’

76 Distorts

79 ‘‘It’d be my pleasure’’

83 Mates

84 1/96 of a pint: Abbr.

85 It comes with a hefty bill

86 Happen over and over

87 Beehive State athlete

88 Coalesce

89 11, literally

90 Occasions for self-indulgence

91 Completely change one’s position or what’s found in 104-Across?

96 Intimidate

97 Wild goats of the Alps

98 Delta hub: Abbr.

99 Reality competition show with quickfire challenges

103 Smidgen

104 Gift-wrapping supplies

109 Formal ‘‘you,’’ in Uruguay

110 Americans who live in their own time zone

111 Many a piece of writing by Joan Didion

112 In a bashful manner

113 Sweetie

114 Part of a wheel

115 Detaches from a source of dependence

DOWN

1 Lawyer’s title: Abbr.

2 Fish bait

3 Leader of filmdom’s Rebel Alliance

4 Options on some tests

5 Receive severe criticism

6 Blue-green shades

7 Sound of a smooth-running engine

8 Pig’s digs

9 Locale where clovers bloom

10 Forget to finish writing a clue, mayb

11 Secret ____

12 Felt longing (for)

13 Since Jan. 1

14 ‘‘C’est la vie’’

15 Potato chip, to a Brit

16 Coiffure parts that are sometimes braided

17 Complete nonsense

18 Small mongooses

21 Creature that sounds like a snooze

24 Scarlett Johansson, Rami Malek or Vin Diesel (did you know?)

28 PalmPilots, e.g., for short

30 Wish list items

31 Like some heels and hopes

32 Marriage equality activist Windsor, familiarly

33 ‘‘Perhaps. That’s something that interests me’’

34 Disease that was the subject of the second Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1902)

35 Yom Kippur observers, e.g.

36 Amusingly incongruous outcomes

37 Flood preventers

38 Hoots

42 ‘‘Don’t worry about us’’

43 Lines of work

44 What locks are made of

45 Catherine ____, wife of Henry VIII

47 Horse’s behind

48 Protein powder ingredient

49 Aetna alternative

53 ‘‘Unfortunately, that’s incorrect’’

55 Many long-running TV shows

56 Word processing selection

57 Close

58 Director’s directive

59 Most common coffee bean variety

60 Love interest in a Hallmark movie, maybe

61 Walks unsteadily

64 ‘‘Monster ____’’ (1962 No. 1 song)

68 i5 and X5

69 Fraidy-cat

70 Soupçons

71 Organized in a cabinet, say

74 School before l’université

76 Not to be relied upon

77 Singer whose 1985 song ‘‘Running Up That Hill’’ became a Top 10 hit in 2022 after being featured on ‘‘Stranger Things’’

78 110, facetiously

79 Barbuda or Barbados

80 Shoddy

81 Most dad jokes

82 Nickname for Milwaukee’s baseball team

84 Ocean in ‘‘Ocean’s Eleven’’

88 Like King Midas, notably

90 Have a pity party

92 Google Sheets alternative

93 Supply at the Hershey Company

94 City near Disney World, informally

95 Beauty

96 Small wood

99 Fail ignominiously, as at the box office

100 Rip off

101 ‘‘Lohengrin’’ soprano

102 Custardy treat

104 ‘‘Quiet!’’

105 Gender identity prefix

106 With it

107 Confucian concept

108 Part of iOS: Abbr.

Answers